Liverpool were 5-4 winners in their Premier League clash against Norwich on Saturday, and while the match brought about a welcome five-goal haul, it also highlighted their ongoing defensive struggles – and that is something Klopp says he can no longer ignore.

“It’s really frustrating.” he said in a press conference to preview Tuesday evening’s clash. “It’s not something I like to make jokes about, our defence.

“We know how it works. I was an under-average player, but if I was good at something it was defending set-plays.

“So you see it in a situation: The players think: ‘Cross, good’. ‘Second ball – Oh no!!’.

Liverpool have the worst record at defending set-pieces in the Premier League this season and Klopp added: “First of all, we know about this problem. I’m sorry to say it’s not a problem we can ignore. It’s obvious we haven’t done too well.

“But we are always working on our weaknesses. We spoke about it intensively. We had a good talk together – not the first one.

“It’s not about the formation, not always about the quality. It’s often about ourselves. We defended the first ball well, then struggled with the second or third.

“It’s not too late to work, but we have to show that we’ve learned.”

Klopp on Stoke

Klopp was asked if he’s settle for a dour 1-0 win over Stoke and added: Of course. Boring is not too cool. But 1-0 is a good result. We had it at Stoke in a good game for my side.

“It could have been a little bit more clear. But now we have maybe the best situation you can have in a semi-final.

“I’m really looking forward to the special atmosphere at Anfield. Let’s take the whole power of LFC and go to the final.”

Klopp knows the Reds will face another tough test against Stoke and said of the Potters: “Stoke is a football playing team. I said it before, Mark Hughes is doing a really good job. A big change in style, it’s not easy. I think they keep on going this way and that’s a good idea.

“We have our problems with line-ups, they have their possible problems.

“It will be an interesting night.”

Klopp was asked what reaching the League Cup final would mean to him and he added: “It wouldn’t mean much. A final is only…I never heard about second place in Carling Cup. But winning is only a possibility if you make it. You’re remembered if you win it. But tomorrow is only one target: Go to the final.

“It’s football. You should not waste opportunities of winning something. I know for the players it’s really important. They want to go to the final. That’s pretty cool. Hopefully I can come with them.”